YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world and can be a great source of traffic for your website and attracting potential viewers who can turn into readers. I’m stepping up my use of videos for Book Cover Cafe this year and as I make plans for upcoming videos, I thought I’d touch on how you as an author can use this fantastic tool to build your author platform and awareness.
Here’s five ways you can utilize this behemoth of a social site.
Book trailers
Let’s get the most obvious out the way first. YouTube is really the first place you want to post your book trailer. When you do, then simply copy the embed video so you can place it on your website. You don’t want to make it long, the length of your book trailer should be between 50 seconds and 90 seconds.
Media and blogger interviews
Any interviews you do with reporters, local tv and online bloggers, you want to post or share to your channel. If you can’t get a full copy of the video yourself, like, share and comment on it when it’s posted on the interviewer’s channel.
Share tips on your topic
Video provides a great opportunity for non-fiction authors to share their expertise and tips on their topic. Do small videos 2-3 minutes in length, covering one tip, strategy or piece of helpful information for viewers. This is an excellent way to help people connect with you, being able to see and hear you. As I’ve covered in previous articles, it’s all about having people know, like and trust you. Book sales will follow.
Interview other experts in your field
Position yourself with other authors or experts in your topic or genre. As you interview them, they appreciate the extra exposure you can offer them. It’s also a great way to increase your credibility by association with another, perhaps higher profile personality. In return they will want to reciprocate, so you can get your message out to new viewers.
Progress videos
As you are writing, researching, interviewing or producing something that’s related to your book, do progress or ‘making of’ videos. People like this stuff on dvd’s and people have a natural sense of curiosity to see how others do things behind the curtain. This can be tied with tip 2, sharing a tip or advice with your audience.
The more videos you have the better, as each video serves as a new doorway for people to find you. With all your videos be sure to apply relevant tags to do with your videos subject matter. You’ll also want to use a relevant keyword in your video’s title to get the most from the YouTube search engine.
Anthony
Get visible
These are great ideas for authors, thanks
You’re welcome Diann.
As always, very helpful. You have the knack of giving enough information to help and inspire but not so much that the reader becomes overwhelmed! Thanks. Jan Weel.
Jan, it’s like you read my mind! That’s the balance I strive to maintain with an article. It’s tricky at times, but your feedback is most appreciated and helps me gauge what is enough. Thank you Jan!